Enhancing the functional fatigue properties of TiNbZrSn biocompatible Shape memory alloy through femtosecond laser shock peening

Shape memory alloys are among the most promising materials for the biomedical industry due to their superelasticity and shape memory effect. NiTi has been widely utilized in such applications. However, the toxicity associated with the release of Ni ions may lead to health hazards. Therefore, TiNbZrSn alloys are potential candidate materials to replace NiTi owing to their biocompatibility and superelasticity. The limitation of TiNbZrSn alloys is the functional fatigue response and the degradation of superelastic properties upon cyclic loading. This study aims to improve the functional fatigue response of the TiNbZrSn alloy via novel femtosecond Laser Shock Peening (LSP). The results depict great potential with up to 12% improvement in the superelastic recovery of strains and hindering the accumulation of plastic strains during cyclic loading with minimal surface damage.